You are ready to take to the open road, and that means pulling a camper for the ultimate freedom. The question is: can your truck take it? Beyond towing capacity, there are some key systems that have become available that make towing so much easier and safer.
If you are considering a pickup truck trade in, it’s good to know what’s available that can take the stress out of towing. It’s especially important to those who are not very experienced with towing. However, even old hands will like the many devices that are coming online to help make hookups and parking much less time consuming.
Advanced Rearview Camera
Hooking up the truck is one of the most difficult parts of towing. An advanced rear view camera makes it much simpler. The Ford rearview system has a center line that helps you line up the car hitch with the trailer hitch. Ford has even added a delay to the rearview settings. This allows you to pull forward and see that you have accomplished a safe hookup.
Backup Assist
Pro Trailer Backup Assist, another Ford feature, allows you to move the truck and camper on different rearview paths. The truck can go straight back as directed by the steering wheel while the camper wheels can turn into a space as directed by a dial on the dash. With the 360-degree camera system, you’ve got eyes on the whole process.
Watch for Trouble
When on the road, there are many vehicles that will roll in and out of a truck’s blind spot. By adding a camper, you’ve effectively doubled that blind spot. Fortunately, Ford’s blind spot monitor has a feature that can extend the technology to keep electronic eyes on the sides of the camper. This helps ensure that the driver is aware of neighboring cars. This is safety for you and for those on the road with you.
Smart Hitch
One of the newest capabilities is a Smart Hitch. This system helps measure the tongue weight. This essentially is the pressure that the camper puts directly on the hitch. Since there is a formula to follow in how much tongue weight is best, the Smart Hitch actually advises the driver on how to adjust the weight balance for the safest outcome. The information is on the truck infotainment screen as well as on an App.
When in use, the Smart Hitch can tell you if your brakes and other lights are working on your camper. Basically, it recognizes when the connection is working. A tow activity screen can tell the driver when there are lights out.
Payload and Towing Capacity
Towing capacity keeps edging up for most new trucks. However, you need to shop carefully to make sure your money is buying you the most towing capability for the money. Often your truck trade in value will give you the financial boost you need to get more horsepower.
With so much technology to assist you, towing doesn’t have to be a hassle. That’s good news for anyone who wants to hook up a camper and hit the road.
